JUSTIN SCHAACK (FILMMAKER)
Justin Schaack, founder of Above-the-Line Entertainment and Minnesota native, has always had a passion for film.  After graduating from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, Calif., Justin worked for such studios and networks as 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, NBC, The WB, Showtime, UPN, Imagine Entertainment, Lion’s Gate Entertainment, and Fox Broadcasting Company.

Starting at a very young age, Justin loved performing for people, and had strong aspirations of becoming an actor.  During his junior year of high school Justin wanted to act in a movie so badly that he decided to make his own feature length film, and cast himself in the starring role.  It was during this experience that Justin realized that acting wasn't nearly as fulfilling as directing.

Justin then began his quest to learn all steps of the filmmaking process.  While still in high school he became the lighting and sound designer for the high school auditorium, and started working at the local public access station.

During his first year at college, Justin majored in theatre at Augsburg College in Minneapolis and took his first film class.  There, he made five short 16mm films.  At that point, Justin knew he needed to move to Los Angeles.

The next fall he transferred to USC to major in film studies.  Not only was he able to write and direct five more of his own films, but he also assisted on numerous other films in several different areas, including cinematography, production design, editing, casting and even acting.

Because of the well-rounded foundation that Justin laid for himself in school, he is able to lend his knowledge and talent to each part of the filmmaking process.